News Summary
A shooting outside an auto parts store in Augusta, Georgia, resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy, Deandre Howell, and injuries to three others. The incident unfolded in the store’s parking lot, leading to the arrest of two suspects facing murder charges. Witnesses described a chaotic scene involving a group known as the ‘Water Boys,’ drawing attention to rising youth violence in the area. Local authorities are searching for additional suspects as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Augusta
A shooting at an auto parts store in Augusta, Georgia, resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to three others on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the parking lot of an Advance Auto Parts store located on Meadowbrook Drive.
The deceased, identified as Deandre Howell, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office. Three additional victims were hurt, including two 16-year-olds and a 12-year-old, all of whom have since been treated at a local hospital and are currently in stable condition.
In connection with the shooting, authorities have arrested 18-year-old Nametrius McClam on murder charges. A 16-year-old suspect, Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr., who also faces murder charges, is currently hospitalized. The shooting spree affected multiple locations: two victims were shot in the parking lot of the auto parts store, while the other two sustained injuries close by at a Texaco gas station. Additional gunfire was reported as a car was targeted in another nearby parking lot, raising the alarm over the violence in the area.
Witnesses have described the group involved in the altercation as the “Water Boys,” a collective of young individuals known for selling bottled water and Gatorades to passing motorists. The community has been left in shock, with residents expressing disbelief over the sudden outbreak of violence, as many felt safe prior to the event. Initial reactions had led some neighbors to mistake the sound of gunfire for fireworks before understanding the true severity of the situation.
Richmond County Sheriff Gino Brantley issued a statement highlighting the importance of parental supervision, advising guardians to monitor their children’s whereabouts and associations. This tragedy has sparked discussions among local residents about implementing curfews for juveniles and addressing the issue of youth gun ownership.
In response to the shooting, local authorities are conducting a manhunt for additional suspects. The operation involves collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, K9 units, and SWAT teams to ensure community safety and apprehend those involved.
Additionally, resources have been made available to support students and families affected by the tragic incident, particularly in the Richmond County school district. The goal is to assist the community in processing the event and preventing further incidents in the future.
This unfortunate occurrence has served as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding youth violence in various communities. As law enforcement seeks to address the incident and local leaders advocate for preventive measures, there is a shared hope within Augusta for healing and safer environments for children.
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Additional Resources
- The Augusta Press
- WJBF News
- WTOC
- WRDW News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Augusta shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Violence
- Google News: Augusta shootings
- Augusta Chronicle
- WFXG News
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
